Monitoring & Surveillance Series

Transcription

1 CHEMICAL Monitoring & Surveillance Series Survey of Mycotoxins in Irish Grain Samples 212

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY... 2 INTRODUCTION... 3 Fusarium Toxins... 3 Aflatoxins... 4 STUDY OUTLINE... 4 SAMPLING... 5 Sampling Protocol... 5 Preparation of the Samples... 5 ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY... 6 Non-conforming samples... 7 RESULTS... 7 Maize... 8 Aflatoxins... 8 Ochratoxin A... 9 Trichothecenes... 1 Deoxynivalenol Zearalenone Fumonisins Nivalenol Oats Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A Trichothecenes Deoxynivalenol Zearalenone Fumonisins and Nivalenol Barley Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A Trichothecenes Deoxynivalenol Zearalenone Fumonisins and Nivalenol Wheat... 2 Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A... 2 Trichothecenes... 2 Deoxynivalenol Zearalenone Fusarium toxins and Nivalenol CONCLUSION REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 1

4 SUMMARY Mycotoxins are natural chemical substances with toxic effects on humans that are produced by fungi (moulds) growing as contaminants on some food crops (in field and in storage), including certain cereals, nuts and fruit. They include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, and trichothecenes. Maximum levels (MLs) for the major mycotoxins in a range of food crops have been set by Commission Regulation 1881/26/EC (1) as amended, which sets maximum levels for chemical contaminants in foodstuffs and Directive 22/32/EC and Recommendation 26/576/EC, which set the ML for chemical contaminant in feedstuff. These MLs are set at a very low level for the particular food/feed and mycotoxins in question following the ALARA principle, i.e. as low as reasonably achievable, in order to ensure that adverse effects on consumers health are minimised. For certain other mycotoxins, MLs are yet to be adopted but are under consideration. In order to ensure that established MLs are not exceeded, or to gather information on the occurrence of other mycotoxins for which MLs are under consideration, routine surveillance of food and feed is carried out, involving the taking of samples of potentially contaminated produce, followed by laboratory analysis to determine the levels of mycotoxins in the food/feed. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in collaboration with Public Analyst Laboratory in Dublin and the Irish Grain and Feed Association (IGFA), carried out checks on the levels of the above mentioned mycotoxins in a variety of cereal products (oats, barley, wheat and maize) grown in Ireland in 212. The results of these checks show that the levels found in the Irish-produced cereals which were sampled are generally low, with occasional instances of contamination detected, although these are considered to present little risk to the health of the Irish consumer. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 2

5 INTRODUCTION Mycotoxins are natural chemicals produced as secondary metabolites by certain fungi which occur as contaminants of some food crops, either in the field or during post-harvest storage. Cereals, nuts, fruits and foods derived from these crops are the most likely to contain mycotoxins. As the name suggests, mycotoxins are toxic to humans and animals, and consumption of food containing high levels of these contaminants may cause illness. Three types (genera) of fungi are considered the major producers of mycotoxins Fusarium, Pencillium and Aspergillus. Within each type of fungus, particular species may be mycotoxigenic (2). It is estimated that 25% of the world s food crops are affected by mycotoxins each year with substantial impact of Fusarium species on food contamination. Fungal and especially Fusarium species infection of cereals cause three undesired effects: It reduces grain yield and quality Generates economic losses in livestock feed with contaminated cereal by reducing animal production and Can potentially carry over to food where they may also result in acute or chronic toxicity to humans (3) The impact of mycotoxins in the food chain is an important issue worldwide. In general, consumers perceive less risk from mycotoxins than from other food-related threats such as pesticides, heavy metals or microbial agents. This is due to the fact that, at least in developed countries, mycotoxins rarely cause acute intoxication outbreaks or health emergencies (4). Nevertheless, good agricultural production, storage and processing practices cannot completely prevent contamination and small quantities of mycotoxins may be present in food and feed. The presence of mycotoxins above certain levels in feed and food is undesirable as they can elicit a number of adverse effects on health, both in humans and animals. Mycotoxins can affect the immune system, nervous system, liver, kidneys and blood, and some mycotoxins are known to be carcinogenic. The toxicity of mycotoxins varies greatly and effects may be both acute (after a single high dose exposure) and chronic (after repeated low dose exposure). The most important mycotoxins in terms of effects on health are the aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin and the Fusarium toxins (2). Five mycotoxins are considered to be economically and toxicologically important worldwide: aflatoxin (AF), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and derivatives, zearalenone (ZON) and derivatives, and fumonisins (FB 1, FB 2 ). DON, ZON, and fumonisins are produced by various Fusarium species. Fusarium Toxins A range of Fusarium fungi, which are common soil fungi, produce a number of different mycotoxins of the class trichothecenes (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, DON, nivalenol) and some other toxins (ZON and fumonisins). The Fusarium fungi are probably the most prevalent toxin-producing fungi of the northern temperature regions of America, Europe (including Ireland) and Asia (5). Various factors can affect the formation of Fusarium toxins including the amount of rainfall and moisture during the growing season and at harvest. As with most mycotoxins, Fusarium toxins are chemically stable, can survive food processing and may pose a potential risk to human health as well as livestock. Trichothecenes can be acutely toxic to humans at high levels causing symptoms including sickness, vomiting, diarrhoea and in very extreme cases, even death (6). Although the Fusarium trichothecenes vary greatly in their toxicity, they are acutely toxic, T-2 toxin being probably the most toxic and DON being amongst the least toxic. On the other hand, DON is the most common trichothecenes in food and feed. Nivalenol (NIV), T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxins occur to lesser extents (4). Chronic effects in animals have been reported to include immunosuppression, reduced uptake and teratogenicity (congenital abnormality of the foetus). The toxicity and potential impact on human health of several of the Fusarium toxins had been considered by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and previously by the MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 3

6 European Commission s Scientific Committee on Food (SCF), and as a result, tolerable daily intakes (TDIs) have been set for each of the Fusarium toxins (2). ZON is an oestrogenic mycotoxin that often occurs with DON on wheat and on maize. It has relatively low overall toxicity but it has been shown to have uterotrophic (anti-reproductive) effects in pigs. The effects of this mycotoxin in humans are not clearly established. Fumonisins may have neurotoxic effects in some animals, and carcinogenicity in humans has been suggested but not proven. Aflatoxins Aflatoxins were first identified in the early sixties as the cause of a mysterious outbreak in England called Turkey X disease. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, species of fungi. The aflatoxins are considered to be the most toxic and carcinogenic of the mycotoxins with aflatoxins B 1, B 2, G 1 and G 2 being the principal aflatoxins of concern. Long-term low level exposure to aflatoxins has been associated with liver diseases such as cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis and jaundice in humans and animals and they are regarded both as genotoxic (DNA-damaging), carcinogenic and as immunosuppressant. OTA also has immunosuppressant, teratogenic (reproductive) and carcinogenic effects, and a clear connection has been shown between nephropathy (kidney disease) and exposure to OTA in humans and animals (2). Other Penicillium mycotoxins such as penicillic acid and citrinin have been found to enhance the toxic effect (synergism) of OTA on liver and kidney carcinogenesis in animals. Patulin is a potent protein synthesis inhibitor and is also regarded as genotoxic (2). In animal toxicity studies, the effects observed include reduced weight gain, impaired kidney function and intestinal effects. Citreoviridin is a neurotoxin in animals, resulting in paralysis and muscular atrophy. As regards aflatoxins, the SCF expressed in its opinion of 23 September 1994 that aflatoxins were genotoxic carcinogens. Based on that opinion, it was considered appropriate to limit the total aflatoxin content of food (sum of aflatoxins B 1, B 2, G 1 and G 2 ) as well as the aflatoxin B 1 content alone, aflatoxin B 1 being by far the most toxic compound (1). Re-evaluations of aflatoxins have also been carried out by EFSA in recent years. STUDY OUTLINE In order to ensure that the established maximum limits as laid down in Regulation 1881/26/EC, Directive 22/32/EC and Recommendation 26/576/EC are not exceeded and in order to collect information on occurrence of mycotoxins for which maximum levels have not yet been adopted, routine surveillance of food and feed must be carried out. This involves taking samples of potentially contaminated produce, followed by laboratory analysis to determine the levels of different toxins in these samples. For the purposes of this report, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in collaboration with the Public Analyst s Laboratory, Dublin and the Irish Grain and Feed Association, carried out checks on levels of aflatoxins and Fusarium toxins in the food chain in a variety of randomly sampled cereals from the 212 harvest (oats, barley, wheat, rye and maize). The samples in this study were taken as non-statutory surveillance samples, thus no enforcement action was taken. However, all potentially non-compliant samples were followed up with the suppliers. Levels of mycotoxins can vary significantly year to year due to different factors, such as weather conditions, presence of insects, storage conditions, crop type, etc (4). The exceptionally wet weather of summer 212 may have resulted in increased growth of fungus in crops, leading to higher levels of mycotoxins and higher rates of non-compliance with regulatory limits. The aim of this survey was to provide a snapshot on the levels of certain mycotoxins in Irish produced cereals from the 212 harvest. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 4

7 Number of samples SAMPLING Unprocessed cereals were analysed in this survey in order to get a true indication of the underlying levels of the different toxins at source, as toxin levels can be significantly affected by processing. Furthermore, maximum limits are defined for unprocessed cereals in EU legislation (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/26). The number of samples taken of each type of cereal is shown in Figure 1 below. Figure Number of Samples Wheat Barley Maize Oats Sampling Protocol By agreement between the parties, sampling of the unprocessed cereals for this survey did not follow the European Union Regulations for this activity (Regulation (EC) No 41/26 as amended), which requires a large sample size to be taken, i.e. 1 kg, when sampling large lots of cereals. Instead, only.5 1 kg of each cereal was submitted to the laboratory, making a total of 56 samples. This reduced the burden to producers that were voluntarily submitting the samples of cereals, while at the same time providing a reliable picture of the levels of mycotoxin contamination of 212 harvest. Preparation of the Samples All the samples were ground to a fine powder using a Grindomix GM3 Knife Mill and stored at ambient temperature in the laboratory prior to analysis. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 5

8 ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY The samples were analysed for the following mycotoxins: Aflatoxin B 1, B 2, G 1, G 2 and Total Aflatoxins Ochratoxin A Zearalenone Fumonisin B 1, B 2, B 3 and Total Fumonisins Deoxynivalenol Nivalenol T-2 and HT-2 toxins and sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins The analysis was performed according to the following internal laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Aflatoxins SOP PALC 31 (7) Aflatoxins were extracted from a test portion of the prepared sample with methanol. They were separated from interfering compounds by passing the solution down a column containing monoclonal antibodies specific to aflatoxins. After removal of interfering substances, the aflatoxins were eluted and determined by comparison with aflatoxin standards, using high performance liquid chromatography with post column bromination and fluorescence detection Ochratoxin A SOP PALC 18 (8) For solid samples, OTA was extracted from a test portion of the prepared sample with dilute sodium bicarbonate solution and the resulting suspension was then clarified. The test solution was diluted with phosphate-buffered saline solution, if specified, and passed through an immunoaffinity column. After removal of interfering compounds, the OTA was eluted and determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection Zearalenone SOP PALC 22 (9) Samples of cereals (incl. cereal-based baby foods) were homogenised and then a portion was blended in an acetonitrile: water (UPW) mixture to extract the zearalenone. The resulting suspension was clarified. The test solution was diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), ph adjusted as appropriate, and passed through an immunoaffinity column. After removal of interfering compounds by washing, the retained zearalenone was eluted and determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection Fumonisins SOP PALC 76 (1) Fumonisins were extracted from cereal matrices with a methanol/acetonitrile/upw mixture and separated from interfering substances by passing through a column containing monoclonal antibodies specific to fumonisins. The isolated fumonisins were eluted and analysed by HPLC with pre-column derivatisation and fluorescence detection Deoxynivalenol SOP PALC 81 (11) DON was extracted from all matrices with UPW and separated from interfering substances by passing through a column containing monoclonal antibodies specific for DON. The isolated DON was then eluted and analysed by HPLC and UV detection Nivalenol SOP PALC 133 (12) NIV is extracted from cereals with UPW and separated from interfering substances by passing through a column containing monoclonal antibodies specific for NIV. The isolated NIV is eluted and analysed by UPLC with UV detection T-2 and HT-2 toxins SOP PALC 74 (13) The sample of cereals was suspended in water. A portion of ethyl acetate was added and the suspension was agitated. Sodium sulphate was then added to assist phase separation and the solid material was separated by centrifugation. The organic phase was separated and stable isotope-labelled analogues were added to the solution. After mixing well, the liquid was evaporated to dryness and the residue was reconstituted by the addition of a quantity of mobile phase and an equal volume of water. The T-2 and HT-2 content was determined by UPLC with MS/MS detection. The laboratory is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) to ISO 1725:25 (Registration No. 99T) MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 6

9 Non-conforming samples Samples that did not meet the legislative limits for any single parameter or more than one parameter, underwent repeat analysis in accordance with the laboratory s procedures to confirm the results before reporting. Non-conforming samples were reported to the FSAI as soon as the laboratory became aware of any results that breached legislative limits so that action could be taken in a timely manner, if deemed necessary. RESULTS The following section provides an overview of the number of cereal samples exceeding the levels set out in legislation for the mycotoxins analysed. The results were assessed against the legislative limits for food as these are stricter than the legislative limits set down for feed and the proposed use of the cereals had not been determined at the time of sampling. The regulatory levels used for the analysis correspond to the ones set out for the category of unprocessed cereals, which are cereals that have not undergone any physical or thermal treatment other than drying, cleaning and sorting. The analytical results for each sample and each analyte were assessed against legislative limits, where available. For aflatoxin B 1, B 2, G 1, G 2 and total aflatoxins and OTA, the applicable legislation is Commission Regulation 1881/26/EC (as amended) (1). For ZON, DON, FB 1 and FB 2, and total fumonisins, the applicable legislation is Commission Regulation 1881/26/EC (as amended) (14). For T-2 and HT-2 toxins and the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, the samples have been assessed against the Commission Recommendation 213/165/EU on the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and cereal products (15). For NIV and FB 3, there are no legislative limits or recommendations. Therefore, the results are for information only. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 7

10 Aflatoxin content in µg/kg MAIZE Aflatoxins Out of a total of six maize samples analysed for aflatoxins, no sample was found to exceed the levels for AFB 1 and only two samples were found to contain quantifiable (more than.2 µg/kg) levels of AFB 1. For AFB 2, AFG 1 and AFG 2 toxins, no sample showed quantifiable levels. All samples were below the 2 µg/kg maximum level set out in Regulation (EC) 1881/26 as can be seen from Figure 2 below. Figure Aflatoxins content in Maize AFB1 AFB2 AFG1 AFG2 Total Aflatoxins Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 8

11 Ochratoxin A content in µg/kg Ochratoxin A Only one out of the six samples analysed showed an OTA content above the maximum level (5 µg/kg) set out in Regulation (EC) 1881/26 for unprocessed maize. The remaining samples did not show quantifiable levels (more than 1 µg/kg) of OTA (see Figure 3). After follow-up with the supplier in relation to the non-compliant sample, it was discovered that the sample had not entered the food chain but the feed chain instead. Therefore, the applicable limit for that sample is 25 µg/kg as set out in Commission Recommendation 26/576/EC (16) and the sample was compliant. Figure 3 Ochratoxin A content in Maize OTA Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 9

12 Trichothecenes There were no regulatory maximum levels for T-2 and HT-2 toxins and their sum, at the time of sampling for this survey. However, more recently, Commission Recommendation 213/165/EU has set a maximum level of 2 µg/kg for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins. This was used to assess the compliance of the samples. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the results are only indicative as the limits were not applicable at the time of the analysis. Only two of the samples analysed contained quantifiable levels of toxins (38.6 µg/kg and 3.8 µg/kg respectively) and in all the cases, they were well below the regulatory limits (Figure 4). Figure 4 MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 1

13 DON concentration in µg/kg Deoxynivalenol None of the maize samples analysed showed DON content above the legal limit and only two of them had quantifiable levels of the toxin (145 µg/kg and µg/kg). In both cases, the levels found were well below the limit of 1,75 µg/kg (see Figure 5). Figure 5 Deoxynivalenol (DON) content in Maize DON Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 11

14 ZON content in µg/kg Zearalenone As for DON, all the samples analysed were well below the legal limit (35 µg/kg) for ZON toxin and only two of the samples actually showed quantifiable levels (32.5 µg/kg and 49.5 µg/kg). See Figure 6. Figure 6 Zearalenone content in Maize ZON Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 12

15 Fumonisins content in µg/kg Fumonisins All samples analysed were well below the regulatory limits (4, µg/kg) for total Fumonisins set out in Regulation (EC) 1881/26 (as amended). These levels were 54.7 µg/kg, 62.4 µg/kg and µg/kg. Figure 7 Fumonisins content in Maize FB1 FB2 FB3 Total Fum Toxin type Nivalenol The NIV content was under quantifiable limits for all the samples tested. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 13

16 OTA content in µg/kg OATS Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A No aflatoxins were detected in any of the 14 oat samples and only one sample out of nine showed quantifiable levels (1.4 µg/kg) of OTA that were well below the limit established in Regulation 1881/26 (5 µg/kg). See Figure 8. Figure Ochratoxin A in Oats OTA Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 14

17 Trichothecenes concentration in µg/kg Trichothecenes Although T-2 and HT-2 toxins where detected in most of the samples (see Figure 9), the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins remained low, i.e. under 6 µg/kg, and well below the limit for feed products (2, µg/kg). Nevertheless, there was no EC regulatory limit established at the time the samples were collected and the recommended limit set out in Commission Recommendation 213/165/EU was used for informative purposes in this survey. Figure 9 T-2 / HT-2 / Sum T-2 & HT-2 in Oats T2 HT2 Sum T2&HT2 Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 15

18 DON content in µg/kg Deoxynivalenol DON was present in eight of the fourteen samples of oats at levels ranging from 98 µg/kg to 1,15 µg/kg. Regulatory limit for deoxynivalenol in oats is set out in Regulation 1881/26 (as amended) at 1,75 µg/kg of unprocessed oats with DON levels being below this limit for all of the samples analysed (see Figure 1). Figure 1 Deoxynivalenol in Oats DON Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 16

19 ZON content in µg/kg Zearalenone Only seven out of the fourteen samples of oats analysed contained quantifiable levels of ZON, with the highest level found being 59.7 µg/kg and the lowest 27.2 µg/kg, these being considerably lower than the legal limit of 1 µg/kg of unprocessed oats (see Figure 11). Figure Zearalenone in Oats ZON Toxin type Fumonisins and Nivalenol None of the oat samples analysed presented quantifiable amounts of either fumonisin toxins or nivalenol. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 17

20 DON content in µg/kg BARLEY Twenty samples of barley were sampled and analysed as part of this mycotoxin survey. The results of which are given below. Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A Regulatory limits for aflatoxins in barley have been established at 2 µg/kg for AFB 1 and 4 µg/kg for the sum of aflatoxins (B 1, B 2, G 1 and G 2 ) in Regulation (EC) No1881/26 (as amended) and none of the barley samples analysed contained quantifiable levels of aflatoxins. Regarding OTA, only one sample contained OTA levels (36.6 µg/kg) that were well above the limit of 5 µg/kg set out in Regulation (EC) No1881/26 (OTA). Nevertheless, following consultation with the supplier, the sample was deemed compliant as it was intended for use in feed, where the limit for OTA is set out at 25 µg/kg in Commission Recommendation 26/576/EC. Trichothecenes As with Aflatoxins and OTA, none of the barley samples analysed showed quantifiable levels of trichothecenes toxins. Deoxynivalenol Twelve of the samples of barley contained low levels of DON, which in all cases were below the regulatory limit of 1,25 µg/kg as set out in Regulation 1881/26 (as amended). See Figure 12. Figure Deoxynivalenol in Barley DON Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 18

21 ZON content in µg/kg Zearalenone Six of the twenty samples analysed showed levels above the regulatory limit (1 µg/kg) for ZON in barley as established in Regulation 1126/27 (see red line in Figure 13). Given that ZON is an oestrogenic mycotoxin with relative low toxicity and that barley is not as widely consumed as wheat or maize, these levels should not pose a threat to human health. Nevertheless, non-conforming samples were reported for further investigation and following consultation with the supplier, it was found that the samples were destined to the feed chain where the applicable limit was 2, µg/kg (Figure 13) as set out in Commission Recommendation 26/576/EC. Therefore, all samples were compliant and well below the regulatory limits for this purpose. Figure Zearalenone in Barley ZON Toxin type Fumonisins and Nivalenol For both fumonisins and NIV toxins, none of the samples contained quantifiable levels. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 19

22 Trichothecenes content in µg/kg WHEAT Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A None of the sixteen samples of wheat submitted for analysis contained quantifiable levels of aflatoxins or OTA. Trichothecenes One sample out of sixteen was found to be non-compliant for the sum of trichothecenes, with a level of µg/kg, which is above the recommended limit of 1 µg/kg set out by Commission Recommendation 213/165/EU. Nevertheless, as there was no statutory limit in force at the time of sampling and analysis, the following results are for information only. See Figure 14. Nevertheless, the sample was followed up with the supplier and was found to be destined for use as animal feed, therefore not entering the human food chain directly. According to Commission Recommendation 213/165/EU of 27 of March 213, on the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereal and cereal products, the limit for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in cereal product for feed and compound feed is set out at 5 µg/kg (see green line in Figure 14). Bearing this in mind, the sample was subsequently deemed to be compliant for the purposes for which it was to be used. Figure 14 6 Trichothecenes in Wheat T2 HT2 Sum T2&HT2 Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 2

23 DON content in µg/kg Deoxynivalenol Thirteen out of the sixteen samples of wheat showed quantifiable contents of DON that ranged between 57.8 µg/kg and 97.1 µg/kg, which are well below the regulatory limit of 1,25 µg/kg set out in Regulation 1881/26 (as amended) (see Figure 15). Figure Deoxynivalenol in Wheat DON Toxin type MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 21

24 ZON content in µg/kg Zearalenone After the application of the measurement of uncertainty (MU) for the analytical method used, only one sample of wheat showed a level for zearalenone (278.9 µg/kg) that was non-compliant and more than 2.5 times the level set out in Regulation 1881/26 as amended (1 µg/kg) for this substance (see Figure 16). As with the barley cases, ZON is considered to have relatively low toxicity. Non-compliant samples were reported and followed up on with the supplier and all of them were also found to be destined for animal feed, where the level of ZON permitted in accordance with Commission Regulation 26/576/EC is 2, µg/kg. Figure Zearalenone in Wheat ZON Toxin type Fusarium toxins and Nivalenol None of the analysed samples of wheat showed quantifiable levels for the sum of fusarium toxins and nivalenol. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 22

25 CONCLUSION Of a total of 56 samples analysed, nine (16%) did not comply with the regulatory limits set out for food. After following up with the different suppliers, it was found that in all cases of non-compliant samples, they had entered the animal feed chain, and these samples were therefore deemed to be compliant under the applicable regulatory limits for feed. It should be noted that the samples in this study were taken as non-statutory surveillance samples. Therefore, the sample size was smaller than that required under Commission Regulation (EC) 41/26. Most samples (84%) showed quantifiable levels for one or more of the analysed mycotoxins (although all levels remained below the legislative limits), with the prevalence for each particular mycotoxin being as follows: Two (4%) of the 56 samples showed quantifiable levels for aflatoxins, 4 (7%) for ochratoxin A and 3 (5%) for fumonisins The number of samples that were found to have quantifiable levels of mycotoxins increased for the mycotoxins trichothecenes, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol, with 14 (25%), 3 (54%) and 35 (63%) samples respectively testing positive No sample was found to contain levels of Nivalenol and in total, 1 (16%) samples had no quantifiable levels of any of the mycotoxins analysed This survey does not raise any safety concerns and consequently, consumers do not need to change their diets as a result of these findings. The production of mycotoxins-free cereals is still very difficult and far from being achieved but the FSAI is of the opinion that provided the levels of mycotoxins are kept to the lowest levels achievable, the benefits of eating cereal-based food outweigh any possible risk to health. Despite the encouraging results, the FSAI will continue to work with the food industry to help reduce mycotoxins in foodstuff and protect the consumers ensuring that where they are present, levels of mycotoxins are within the statutory limits. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 23

26 REFERENCES 1. Commission Regulation 1881/26 of 19 December 26 setting maximul levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. [Online] 2. Micotoxins in food. Food Safety Authority of Ireland. 1, 29, Toxicology Fact Sheets. 3. Sinha, Kaushal K. and Bhatnagar, Deepak. Mycotoxins in agriculture and food safety. New York : Marcel Dekker, Diaz, Duarte. The mycotoxin blue book. Nottingham : Nottingham University Press, European Commission.Scientific Committee on Food. Opinion on Fusarium Toxins. Part 1: Deoxynivalenol. [Online] Food Standard Agency. About Mycotoxins webpage. [Online] SOP PALC 31 Determination of Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 in fruit, cereal and spreads. 8. SOP PALC 18 The determination of Ochratoxin A in foodstuffs by immunoaffinity column extraction and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. 9. SOP PALC 22 The determination of zearalenone in cereals and baby food by immunoaffinity column extraction and HPLC with fluorescence detection. 1. SOP PALC 76 The determination of fumonisin B1 and B2 (and B3) in cereals and cereal products by immunoaffinity column extraction and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 11. SOP PALC 81 The determination of deoxynivalenol in cereal, pasta, and baby food products by immunoaffinity column extraction and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 12. SOP PALC 133 Determination of nivalenol in cereals by immunoaffinity column extraction and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 13. SOP PALC 74 The determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in foods. 14. Commission Regulation 1126/27 of 28 September 27 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/26 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs as regards Fusarium toxins in maize and maize products. [Online] Commission Recommendation 213/165/EU of 27 of March 213 on the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and celeal products. [Online] Commission Recommendation of 17 August 26 on the presence of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 and HT-2 and fumonisins in product inteded for animal feeding. [Online] European Communities Regulations. S.I. No. 218/21. [Online] European Commission. Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Fusarium toxins. [Online] European Food Safety Authority. Opinion of the Scientific panel on contaminants in the food chain on a Request from the Commission related to DON as undesirable substance in animal feed. [Online] Food Standards Agency. Retail oat products survey. Mycotoxins in oats survey. [Online] Investigation of Fusarium mycotoxins in UK barley and oat production. [Online] Dublin PAL. SOP PALC 31 Determination of Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 in fruit, cereal and spreads. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Special thanks to the Irish Grain and Feed Association and Dublin Public Analyst Laboratory for facilitating the sampling and analysis of the cereals considered in this survey. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE SERIES CHEMICAL page 24

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